Archived Can't catch a break!

[Steve Robinson]

My truck is still dead, 1998. 5. I've received the "new" rebuilt injection pump from Blue Chip, I ordered a new DDRP fuel pump, but my worries have taken a new direction. In removing the existing injection pump, the mechanic found the rear mounting bracket is broken and one of the "ears" from the bracket is missing altogether. Dodge doesn't have one.



Does anyone know where I can buy another rear mounting bracket?



Does anyone know what model years used the same bracket?



Thanks for your help.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Try Blue Chip Diesel or other companies that sell vp44s. Also try junk yards and Cummins.



I would think that all year trucks that used the vp44 would use the same bracket.



Contact mwilson he is part man for Freightliner he mite be able to get a line on one for you.



Link to mwilson,scroll down click under is user name.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?243400-Truck-topper-on-a-2013-DRW-3500

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have a couple of them, but can't easily get to them for about 2 weeks.

 

[Sticks]

That was a common problem on the first gens of the 24v. There is an update bracket that bolts right up. Cummins, or Dodge should have it. I want to say that an '01 or '02 bracket will work.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Every Dodge I've seen uses the same type bracket on the same bolt holes... . The earlier models may be different, but the bolt pattern is the same.

 

[Bob4x4]

The early vp brackets supercede to the newer version

 

[Steve Robinson]

I was able to get the updated version of the mounting bracket from Cummins. The bracket, the Best VP44 from Blue Chip, and a new Fass DDRP pump were installed on the truck. I picked the truck up from the mechanic on Friday evening. Saturday morning, "check engine" light is on again. I've returned it to the mechanic but no word yet. Everyone I now talk to tells me the DDRP is crap, little better than the original Carter pump and it'll be quitting again. Darn, looks like Ive wasted $300 on that pump, because now I want to replace it before it too kills my VP44. Any suggestions?

 

[p-Bar]

Ya I wouldn't be driving a VP44 without a fuel pressure gauge and an extra fuel pump

 

[JR]

I dont have much experience with the Fass pumps, but have had some experience with the Air Dog Raptor, which bolts in place of the factory pump on the side of the engine block like the DDRP does. I think the biggest issue is the vibrations and the heat from being mounted on the engine, it just doesn't work well with n electric pump. I had an Air Dog Raptor that was mounted on the side of the engine, it barely lasted a year and was leaking fuel through the grommett on the plug. I ended up getting an Air Dog 100 with a bad motor for free, and took the new motor from my Raptor that was replaced under warranty and mated it to the Air Dog 100 and mounted it to the frame. I took some readings with an IR gun and the difference was HUGE compared to when the same motor was block mounted. I believe being mounted to an engine like a Cummins is simply bad news. I'm not 100% sure but FASS should have a kit to relocate your DDRP to the frame rail. That would isolate it from the vibrations, remove it from all that latent heat, and you would now be pushing fuel rather than pulling fuel. Those 3 Factors should make quite a difference in the longevity of a pump IMO.

 

[mfurrh55]

Dodge makes a replacement pump for your truck that goes into the tank, i put one on my 01 and never had any problems out of it, Monte

 

[p-Bar]

I think a lot guys use the Holley "blue" pumps

 

[jeepit]

Stay away from intank pumps. As stated above, look at externally mounted pump with filters away from the motor such as AirDog or Fass.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Have to make sure your pick-up tube screen in the tank isn't plugged.



How was the engine running?

 

[mfurrh55]

Stay away from intank pumps. As stated above, look at externally mounted pump with filters away from the motor such as AirDog or Fass.

What's wrong with intank pumps?, mine worked great and as for as i know is still working

 

[Bob4x4]

Stay away from intank pumps. As stated above, look at externally mounted pump with filters away from the motor such as AirDog or Fass.

The in tank pumps have a lower failure rate than all the aftermarket pumps combined

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Like Bob said. Also, the pump is cooled by the fuel unless you habitually run the tank low on fuel.

 

[Sticks]

The only time I would recommend an in tank pump is if it is used in tandem with the block mounted pump. The in thank pump does not put out enough pressure for the VP... . contrary to what Dodge says.

From the mouth of Bosch - "The VP44 requires a minimum of 10psi fuel pressure at all times. "

 

[DieselLady]

I agree with sticks, I would never put an intank pump on my truck. Besides the lack of pressure and volume, It's way more expensive to replace labor wise. Just my 2 cents.
As far as the DDRP goes, I installed one on a truck about 2 months ago. Didn't make enough pressure right from the gate, and when you put a load on the truck, it pulled the pressure down to 3 psi. Replaced it with the Airdog version of the direct replacement and it works great.

 

[hcole]

DieselLady, I agree with you. Dealer put a intank pump in my truck years ago and I had to change the VP44 after low pressure was a problem. Got a DDRP-2 and mounted it on the rail next to tank. It had about 7-8 lbs. of pressure so I took it apart and stretched the bypass spring and now I have 17+ lbs. The intank pump had low pressure but the reason it quit pumping is the screen got clogged up with what looked like asphalt. I guess I got a bad load of fuel. I would rather burn up a fuel pump than starve a VP44. I fixed it by fabbing my own draw straw after removing the intank pump and mounting the DDRP on the rail. Then I installed a tee in my fuel pressure line to my gauge, got an early GM oil pressure switch (idiot light type) and let it become the ground to make my low fuel pressure light and chime come on. It comes on at about 3. 5 to 4 lbs. I'm monitoring the pressure at the supply fitting on the VP44.

 

[DieselLady]

Good going hcole, But I would be a bit concerned about only 4 psi of pressure. it's really volume you are looking for, so the VP always has tons of fuel for lubing and cooling. 4 psi just doesn't' leave much room for error. I would see about moving the spring again to raise the pressure again. Just my 2 cents.